European Environment Agency report on air quality in Cyprus

The European Environment Agency has released a report detailing air quality trends in Cyprus. Data from 2022 indicates that 693 premature deaths were linked to long-term exposure to PM2.5 particulate matter. Despite this, the number of premature deaths attributed to these pollutants has decreased by 39% since 2005. Improvements are attributed to the renewal of the vehicle fleet, upgraded heating systems, and stricter emission standards. Cyprus is currently on track to meet or exceed the European Union target of a 55% reduction in health impacts from air pollution by 2030. However, the report highlights that reliance on heavy fuel oil for electricity generation remains a persistent issue. This practice causes sulphur dioxide emissions to exceed established reduction commitments, presenting a structural challenge for the national energy sector.